How to tell normal soreness from the start of an injury

Dayna Player Robinson
3 days ago
2 min read

Learn what your body is telling you so you can keep training with more confidence and less guesswork.

For runners who want to stay healthy through this training cycle and for years to come.

You finish a run and feel that familiar ache in your calf or a little pinch in your knee. And the first thought shows up fast: "Is this just normal soreness, or am I about to make this worse?"

That question matters.

A lot.

Because runners get themselves in trouble when they either panic over every little ache or ignore the first real warning sign and keep pushing.

I have watched both plays a thousand times.

The good news is that your body usually gives you clues before a small problem turns into a big one.

You just have to know what to look for.

Know what's normal

Watch for patterns

What to do next

Keep it simple

Runners, is this soreness or an injury - what to tell yourself

You do not need to guess your way through every ache.

The more you learn your own normal, the faster you will spot the stuff that does not belong. And that is how runners stay in the game for the long run.

If something feels off, step back, look at the pattern, and give it a little respect. Your future seasons will thank you.

Happy Running!

Dayna, your favorite Exercise Physiologist & Run Coach

Your soreness or injury might also mean it is time for a Running Assessment, which always includes 8 weeks of strength exercises designed to help your individual needs found during the Running Assessment.